Ex-NFL Player Found Dead in Indiana River

Ex-NFL player James Hardy III, 31, was found dead in an Indiana river say officials. The wide receiver’s body was found in a log jam at the Maumee River Wednesday afternoon. A City water filtration plant employee found his body and called the police.

Hardy’s family had reported him missing on May 30. Sources say it looked like Hardy had been in the water for several days. His cause of death is still undetermined. According to Allen County Coroner’s Office Investigator, Rebecca Stuttle, “Everything is still under investigation.”

Hardy, who stood at 6’8”, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills after he had a phenomenal junior year at Indiana University. He was selected first team All-Big Ten. He had 10 catches for 96 yards and two touchdowns in two seasons.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of James Hardy today,” the Bills wrote in a statement Thursday. “We send our condolences to the Hardy family as they deal with this tragic loss.”

Hardy reportedly had some troubles after his NFL career. He was arrested in 2014 for attacking three police officers and was eventually committed to a mental facility after a judge ruled he was not mentally competent to stand trial.

His friends and family recall him as a friendly, outgoing and generous person as well as a talented athlete.